by Lynn Hagen
They may resent him for overprotecting them, but he could live with that, just as long as they stayed alive.
Panahasi paused on the street, sending a mental feeler out. They should be damn close, but he could sense Kobe moving away from him. The demon warrior was on the run. He turned in the direction he felt Kobe’s presence the strongest. “He’s moving.”
The two wolves stayed by his side, and Panahasi turned and headed toward Kobe. The signature was getting stronger. They were close. Damn close.
He knew the warrior was injured because Kobe’s signature wasn’t moving that fast. He ground his molars at the thought of Kobe being hurt.
When they rounded the corner, Panahasi not only spotted Kobe, but Hondo, Wayland, and Einarr as well. They were approaching Kobe from the other side. Relief flooded him to find Kobe, but knew they weren’t out of the woods yet.
He stilled when he felt a horde of demons heading their way. “Get him out of here,” Panahasi shouted. “Now!”
But it was easier said than done. Panahasi tried to open a portal, but nothing happened. He saw the three warriors taking Kobe to a darkened shadow, but they hadn’t disappeared. They were going to have to fight their way out of this.
Panahasi glanced down at his mates, fear and worry filling him to the point of overflow. “Don’t leave my side.”
They both nodded in acknowledgement.
“Whatever happens, don’t chase anyone down, and don’t get cornered and separated from the group.”
A tight smile formed on Panahasi’s lips when Drake rolled his eyes. He had grown to love them both even before he had met them. But now that he knew them, Panahasi knew he would lay down his life for them both.
He turned, taking a battle stance as he spotted the demons heading their way.
* * * * Kobe had never been happier to see another demon warrior in his life, and to see three of them, and the leader, made his gut unclench. But why in the fuck were Panahasi’s mates with him? Had the leader lost his mind? There was no way in hell Kobe would invite his mate to a fight. He would protect the man with his life…and wrap his ass up in cotton.
His thoughts drifted back to Zion, but there was nothing Kobe could do about the demon if he was unwilling to come. It didn’t sit well with him to leave the man behind, but he had no choice. If he could defeat those coming after him, then Zion would be safe…hopefully.
But as Kobe caught sight of the demons approaching, he wasn ’t too sure he could defeat them. He was injured, hardly capable of fighting, and there were only four other warriors and two wolves against a mob of demons.
This was going to be bloody as hell. “Your condition?” Panahasi asked as Kobe made his way over to the leader.
“Broken ribs, laceration in my arm, and bruised to hell and back.”
“Good, then you can fight,” Panahasi said as he turned back toward the mob.
“I don’t have my powers,” he informed the leader.
“None of us do.”
Well, hell. That just made the odds of them getting out of here alive drop down to zilch. But Kobe was going to go out fighting. He was a warrior, after all. There was no way he was going to take a beating lying down.
And he was going to take as many demons with him as possible before they killed him.
Chapter Fifteen
Zion was filled with guilt. He didn ’t know what to do. He liked Kobe. The man had wanted to take Zion away from this god-awful place. Never before in his miserable life had anyone wanted to help him.
Pacing his apartment, Zion knew he had to do something. Campton was not going to sit on his thumb and allow Kobe to get away. Not when the dipshit demon constantly spouted off about what he would do if he ever had a demon warrior in his grasp.
There was only one thing Zion could do to save Kobe. He didn ’t like the idea of going to Raphael for help. It was the last thing he wanted. Being in debt to the man who ran the city was not a good thing.
But Kobe needed help.
For the first time in his life, Zion put someone else’s needs before his own. He wasn’t sure why, though. Kobe was a stranger. A demon warrior. The man may have offered to take Zion with him, but that didn’t mean he had a chance in hell to be with the man.
Even so, he knew he had to do something.
Taking a deep breath for confidence, Zion picked up the phone and dialed the one demon he knew would get Kobe out safely.
For a price.
* * * * To say Drake was terrified would be an understatement. He ’d never seen so many men coming after him. Sure, he had pissed a few guys off in his day, but never this many. It was pure suicide.
Drake moved closer to Casey. If they were going to fight until their death, he wanted his mate at his side. He wanted Panahasi next to him as well, but he knew the man would be protecting them, too busy to stay close.
Nuzzling Casey ’s neck, Drake tried to convey his feelings the best he could in wolf form. Casey nuzzled him right back. He should have known Casey would know what he was thinking. The man always had.
He mentally smiled when Casey bumped his head into Drake ’s shoulder. It was his way of saying stop worrying so much. Drake wished he could, but he knew there were too many demons heading their way to survive.
“Get behind me,” Hondo said as he moved closer. Drake took a step back, refusing to allow anyone to fight his battle. He wasn’t a coward and wasn’t going to hide behind anyone. Although he had an overwhelming urge to shove Casey behind the whole lot of warriors.
Just as the demons reached them, a man walked out of the alleyway. He was tall, somewhat muscular, and had the fiercest look on his face. It was a dark expression, one meant to keep everyone in their place. His eyes were honey-gold, though. It was an odd thing to see on a demon.
He had blond hair flowing down his back, and he was wearing a very fine-cut suit. It looked expensive as hell. Drake admitted to himself that whoever this man was, he was stunning. Not as goodlooking as Casey or Panahasi, but he was biased when it came to his mates.
“I was not aware there was a war on my city streets.” The man’s words were crisp, icy, and delivered with a sharpness that felt like a razor blade over Drake’s skin. The man was powerful. That power seemed to flow from his very presence.
“Raphael,” one of the approaching demons whispered, but it was loud enough for Drake to hear. He didn’t give two shits who Raphael was. The only thing that mattered to Drake was ensuring Casey and Panahasi were safe.
“Who sanctioned this brawl?” Raphael asked as he turned to look the demon warriors over. His eyes lingered on Casey, and then Drake. Drake couldn’t be sure, but he would swear he saw surprise in the man’s eyes before he turned to look at the approaching mob.
No one said a word. It was as if they were too terrified to speak. Drake gave off a low growl when Panahasi stepped forward. He didn’t want his mate under the spotlight. All Drake wanted was a quick exit.
“I am—”
“I’m well aware of who you are,” Raphael replied, cutting Panahasi off. Drake was almost sure the man’s rudeness stemmed from the desire to keep Panahasi’s identity a secret. That was all right with Drake. If mentioning the demon leader’s name started a riot, they could call him Mary fucking Poppins for all he cared.
It was Kobe who limped forward, a deep scowl on his face as he stared at three demons in particular. Once he gave the three a glare down, he turned to face Raphael. “What do you want for safe passage?”
The demon chuckled, shaking his head. “I already have payment.”
Drake watched as a shabby young demon stepped out of the alleyway, looking so damn scared that Drake would have bet the man was going to pass out any minute.
“What have you done, Zion?” Kobe asked, his voice rough with emotion that Drake didn’t understand.
“Saved you,” Zion replied meekly.
“And what do you ask for if I want to take Zion with me?” Kobe asked Raphael.
“No,” Zion replied. “You’re
safe now. Go.”
Kobe’s features softenedas he looked at the small man. “But you are not.”
“How touching,” Raphael said. “But he has offered payment for your safe passage.”
Drake didn’t want to leave the small demon. The guy had sacrificed…something—and for complete strangers. He felt honor bound to help the man. Drake just wasn’t sure what he could do. Zion had made a deal with Raphael. Drake understood standing by a promise. But damn if he didn’t want to snatch the small man up and run for the hills.
“I won’t leave you,” Kobe said, his words a feral growl.
“You have no choice,” Raphael replied. “He has made the deal.”
Kobe looked as if he wanted to argue, but Panahasi shook his head. There was so much hate on Kobe’s face as he looked at Raphael that Drake was waiting for the man to burst into flames from the vicious glare.
Determination replaced hatred as Kobe looked away, and Drake knew the warrior would be back to get Zion out. That was what Drake would do if he were in Kobe’s shoes.
“Go now,” Raphael said. “This is your only free pass.”
Hondo had to grab Kobe and force him to move. Drake and Casey quickly moved to Panahasi’s side, watching the angry mob as they left the city.
* * * * Casey watched Kobe stare out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, his hands tucked behind his back, balled into tight fists. He wasn’t sure who Zion was, but it was obvious Kobe cared for the man.
“We need to go after Deandre next.” Panahasi addressed the entire demon warrior group.
“No,” Kamiko argued. “What about Takeo?”
Panahasi’s features softened as he looked at the short man. “Deandre has been gone longer. We need to get him out first. Don’t worry, Kamiko. We’ll get Takeo back to you.”
Kamiko didn’t look happy with Panahasi’s vow, but he nodded and took a seat.
“I want everyone there this time. I don’t want a repeat of what happened in Remtin. But I want Einarr and Donnchadh to stay behind and guard the mates.”
Donny nodded, as well as Einarr.
“We don’t haveany powers when we enter these cities, why?” Hondo asked.
Panahasi shook his head, his dark hair cascading over his shoulders. Casey wanted to hug Panahasi. The man looked torn up about all of this. He wasn’t showing any outward signs, but Casey was starting to read his mate pretty damn well.
“I’m not sure, but arm up. I won’t be caught weaponless this time. Meet me back here in five minutes.”
The demon warriors dispersed, all expect Kobe.
“I’m going back in.”
Panahasi nodded. “I knew you would.”
Kobe looked back out of the window, saying nothing more.
Casey pushed from the couch, circling his arms around his demon leader’s waist. “You looked like you needed that.”
Panahasi gently cupped his face. “I did. Thank you.”
Casey smiled when Drake hugged Panahasi from behind. “Just in case you needed another one.”
Their mate grinned as he patted Drake on his back. “I’ll always wantcloseness from both of you.”
Casey pulled back. “You’re not going to make us stay behind, are you?”
Panahasi rolled his eyes, surprising Casey with the out-ofcharacter expression. “Even if I told you to stay behind, you and Drake would be hot on my heels.”
“You’re damn right,” Drake admitted. “Where you go, we go.”
“That’s what I thought.” Panahasi pulled away and walked over to Kobe. He spoke low, but Casey picked up the conversation.
“If you wait, I will go with you.”
Kobe shook his head. “There’s no telling what Raphael is making Zion do for payment. I won’t wait. I can’t wait. Zion was supposed to trick me into staying in his apartment so the other demons could get to me. He told me. He got me out of there. And then he turns around and finds help, at a price I never asked him to pay. I won’t wait.”
Panahasi nodded. “But if you are not back soon, we are coming in to find you.”
Casey’s heart burst with pride. They were a family. They looked out for one another and had each other’s back. If Kobe didn’t return, Drake and Casey would be leading the posse to retrieve him.
That was what family did, and Casey now had a very large family.
Everyone turned when a demon emerged from the shadows. The man was so bloody and bruised that Casey didn’t recognize who it was until Kamiko jumped out, shouting Takeo’s name.
Takeo crumbled to the floor, wheezing.
“Move,” Panahasi said as he gently pushed Kamiko aside. “Someone get Phoenyx.”
Casey knew Panahasi could heal Takeo. He also knew his mate never exposed the extent of his powers. Panahasi had explained to him and Drake that if everyone knew everything he was capable of, then he would be even more vulnerable to his enemies.
If no one knew, then the enemies were less likely to attack. It made sense to Casey, sort of, but at times like these, he wanted to shout for Panahasi to heal the demon warrior.
The redhead raced into the penthouse, kneeling down next to Takeo.
“Hello, brethren. I hear you got your ass beat.”
Takeo’s lips turned up in an attempt at a smile, but winced halfway through the motion. “Just heal me, shithead.”
Phoenyx chuckled, but Casey could feel the tension coming off of the redhead in waves. He leaned forward, allowing a tear to slip from his eye and into Takeo’s mouth.
“Were you sent back to Baku?” Panahasi asked.
“I was,” Takeo confirmed.
Panahasi nodded. “Then Deandre is definitely in Zakerym.”
Casey did not like the way his mate said the city’s name. He had a feeling that they were about to embark on the worst of the outlying cities, and this time, they really might not make it back.
* * * * Panahasi rolled his shoulders, feeling the tension riding him hard. He was standing on the threshold of Zakerym, the worst city in the demon realm. Baku was child’s play compared to the inhabitants of this city. He had fought two days straight to get out when he had come to retrieve Deandre for his training.
Even though the demon warriors and his mates were standing behind him, primed to go, Panahasi hesitated.
No one had any powers.
No one here knew the real danger.
And no one was capable of fighting Jaden if he showed.
If Panahasi was reading his adversary correctly, this was a trap. Sending some of the warriors back to their birth city was a distraction. Panahasi just didn’t know what for. The only good sending the warriors to their birth cities would be to lure Panahasi here. Jaden knew that Panahasi wouldn’t leave them behind.
Even knowing this was more than likely a trap, Panahasi stepped foot into the city, his men and mates following.
The feeling of being watched crawled over Panahasi. Pure evil was here. He could feel it in the core of his being.
“Illusions are the favored trick here,” Panahasi warned. “It’s like being in hell. Don’t believe what your eyes reveal.” That was what took him two days to get out of here. Every time he thought he was free, he found that it was a well-placed illusion. His portals had never worked here, and the shadows were as sinister as the dark creatures that dwelled here. Not even popping out was permitted. This place housed the worst of the lot.
“Stay alert.”
Panahasi knelt, grabbing Casey’s and Drake’s muzzles. “I did not leave you behind because I don’t trust Jaden. But you are not to leave my side. Whatever you see, do not wander away.”
They both nodded, both licking his face. Small whines left their throats. Panahasi ran his hands down their fur, luxuriating in the soft pelts before he stood. “I love you both as well.”
“Panahasi,” Kane said in warning.
Panahasi watched as a slim figure emerged from the darkness, dancing beautifully in a hypnotizing, seductive rhythm, drawing all of the men to watc
h. As old as Panahasi was, and as powerful as he was, he watched, being sucked in by the alluring dance.
The creature swayed its hips, beauty and sensuality shrouding all around its form as it slowly danced toward them. Its features were fine-boned, its body calling to a part of Panahasi that he never knew existed before.
He wanted to touch.
He wanted to make love to the fine creature.
He even wanted it to possess him for all eternity.
Until Casey bit him.
Panahasi snapped out of it, glancing around to see that the warriors were entranced by the seductive vampire. “Thank you,” he said to Casey before waking the others. It wasn’t easy. Most didn’t want to look away. The dance was made to captivate the unsuspecting, turning them into mindless zombies before the vampire seductively ripped out their throats.
“Snap out of it!” he bellowed. The men blinked a few times, rubbing their eyes and cursing.
The vampire vanished.
“What the hell kind of place is this?” Rainerio asked, clearly irritated that he had been pulled under.
“A place that will try to seduce you,” Panahasi answered. “And when it doesn’t succeed, it will try to rip your heart out as you watch.”
“Great, my next vacation spot,” Hondo joked, but Panahasi could hear the nervousness in his tone. They should be nervous. If any one of them fell deep into the allures of this city, they wouldn’t be going home.
“Casey, Drake, it is your job to stop us if we fall under any spells.” He didn’t understand why the shifters weren’t affected, but Panahasi was thankful they had what amounted to an emergency pull cord.
His mates just kept surprising him.
Casey gently bit Panahasi’s fingers, telling him that he understood.
Panahasi nodded. “Now, let’s find Deandre.”
Chapter Sixteen
Deandre punched Clay in his gut, watching as the man bent over in pain. He couldn’t think of any other way to make the man snap out of it. He had grown up here, so Deandre was immune to the seductive side of Zakerym. But apparently Clay was free game.
“I told you not to look him in the eyes,” Deandre bit out. Clay straightened, but his eyes were watery as hell as he sucked in a breath. “Punch me again and you’ll never know what this ass feels like.”